Bush Could Block Collection Effort Against Zambia

Like a character from a Dickens novel, Michael Sheehan and Donegal International have pursued the cripplingly poor African country of Zambia for roughly $55 million.

Donegal International, though owned by an American, is registered in the Virgin Isles.  (And probably because the Virgin Isles are totally beautiful and the weather is awesome and not at all for any other reason.)  Donegal International purchased Zambia’s debt, incurred back in 1979 (due to some dealings with the country of Romania), for pennies on the dollar – and then sued Zambia for the full amount.

Since the story broke about a week ago, others around the world have shown interest in the plight of Zambia.  For starters, President Bush is said to be concerned with the outcome of the suit that allowed Donegal International to pursue Zambia with such relentless urgency.  Due to this turn in the spotlight, Donegal International could also expect a Congressional Judiciary Committee investigation.

"It's our position that the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the comity doctrine brought from our constitution allows the president to require the courts defer in individual suits against foreign nations. And so, we're conducting a couple of things," Committee Chairman John Conyers said in a statement.